Family Features - Home and Garden

Take Charge of Your Career

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:01:00 GMT

(Family Features) Whether you want to advance your career or make the change to a new career, it's up to you to make it happen.

"Sometimes hundreds of professionals are sending resumes for one open position, so you cannot leave things up to chance," said University of Phoenix School of Business Dean Dr. Bill Berry. "You need to put a solid plan in place that will help you set the right career goals and obtain the skills you need to give you a competitive advantage."

Determine Your Career Goals

Think about what you really want to do with your career - and be specific. Ask yourself some questions:

What are the things that interest you most?
What motivates you?
In what kind of work environment do you thrive?
What kinds of jobs fit these criteria?

If you're not sure, it can be helpful to take a personal assessment. "Doing so can help you uncover your passions and preferences," said Dean Berry. "It can help you identify strengths and can help you make an informed decision about your career."

Identify Skills Gaps

There are more than three million job openings in this country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, yet many companies are finding it difficult to fill those positions. A common reason given for this is that employers can't find qualified people with the appropriate skills.

A survey by University of Phoenix found that many people are recognizing the need to add skills in order to improve their careers:

89 percent of working Americans believe there is still room for them to grow in their careers, and can point to at least one skill they will need to learn.
58 percent who are not currently enrolled in school full-time believe that going back to school would be crucial if they were considering a new career path.
36 percent say they need additional education in order to get to the next level of their careers.

"Taking an objective look at the skills you currently have and comparing them to the skills required for the type of job you desire, gives you a clear picture of what it will take to make the job changes you want," Dean Berry said.

Start by writing down the skills, knowledge and qualifications you currently have.
Next, research the types of jobs you want, and write down the qualifications needed.
Compare the two lists, and take notes on the skills you're currently missing.

"Once you do that, you can make decisions on how you're going to bridge that skills gap," said Dean Berry. "At the University, we are seeing working adults pursuing education in order to address their own skills gaps - and it's helping position them for career growth."

Bridge the Gaps

If you have a skills gap in one area, such as knowledge of current computer software, you can take a single course or seminar to catch up. But for many, getting or finishing a college degree is the key to making a positive career change.

University of Phoenix's survey found that having a degree has given those surveyed tangible benefits:

63 percent of those with bachelor's degrees or higher believe that their education led to more responsibility.
60 percent of those with bachelor's degrees or higher believe that their education positively affected their ability to get promoted.
Those with bachelor's degrees also say they perceive that their education led to other benefits including receiving raises (58 percent), keeping a job (58 percent) and being given more management opportunities (57 percent).

"For those returning to the classroom after many years, they'll find that learning tools and platforms have changed significantly," said Dean Berry. "With online learning and other innovations, the classroom is evolving to mirror the workplace and the skills that employers want."

Online coursework is one way that many adults are achieving their goals while holding down a job and/or raising a family. Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed say they are currently taking such a course, or plan to in the near future. When investigating education opportunities, look into your online options to help you maximize your time and pursue the degree plan that best fits your needs.

"The bottom line is that you have to take charge of your career," said Dean Berry. "With a good plan and clear goals in place, you can make yourself more marketable and put yourself on the path to a more fulfilling and rewarding career."

Learn more about available education programs and career services at www.phoenix.edu.

Top 10 Skills You Need

According to research by Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix, successful workers in the 21st century need certain skills. Here's what employers are looking for - and how you can get them through education:

Leadership - Being a great employee is different than being a great leader. Look for coursework that emphasizes leadership skills and enables you to lead teams.
Critical thinking - Take coursework that offers an opportunity to engage in self-directed, project-based and applied learning.
Communication - Learn in an environment that requires participation in many modes of communication.
Collaboration - Choose courses that are collaborative and also measure success by team results.
Productivity and accountability - Develop an organization and communication system that accounts for short-term and long-term projects.
Adaptability - Take advantage of flexible course schedules and learning platforms in order to work, raise a family, volunteer and learn.
Innovation - Seek out learning environments that build technology and media fluency.
Accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information - Seek out a market-driven curriculum focused on real workplace issues to help you think about how to interconnect.
Entrepreneurialism - Improve your problem-solving abilities with class projects and case studies that tackle issues and require analysis and strategic planning.
Global citizenship - Learn in a diverse classroom to build cross-cultural understanding.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
University of Phoenix

Spring Cleaning Shortcuts

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Spring Cleaning Shortcuts

Spring brings a sense of fresh beginnings, and for many, that includes the annual ritual of spring cleaning. A survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute found that 62 percent of people engage in spring cleaning each year, and their top three priorities are the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

This year, spring cleaning doesn't have to be a long, dreaded process. Follow these quick tips to not only get your house clean in no time, but keep it clean in the long run.

Dealing with Dust

Dust buildup not only looks bad, but it can also be bad for allergies.

Skip the feather duster - it just spreads dust around. For fast dusting, use multi-surface cleaning wipes to pick up dust from furniture and electronics. When you dust, work from the top down.
Cut back on dust by making sure your vacuum cleaner bags and filters are clean and in good working order. That will keep dust and debris from being blown out into the air as you vacuum.
Change your furnace filter regularly and dust or vacuum vents to keep buildup to a minimum.

Kitchen

As one of the busiest rooms in the house, the kitchen gets cleaned frequently, but there are some areas that may need a little more TLC.

Use steam to clean the inside of the microwave. Bring two cups of water to a boil in the microwave, keep the door closed and let the water sit for a few minutes. The steam loosens dried-on food particles, making it easier to wipe them away. For a fresh scent, drop a slice or two of lemon in the water before boiling. Keep it clean by using food covers to prevent food splatters.
Keeping the sink, counters and appliances clean and sanitized is fast and easy with a product such as Kitchen Windex Touch-Up Cleaner. A quick pump onto a paper towel, rag or sponge and you can wipe away messes and kill 99.9 percent of common household bacteria in no time. The bottle is designed to stay out where you need it, and the cleaner works on a variety of hard, non-porous surfaces.
When you clean the sink, make sure to get behind the faucet and around the seals using an old toothbrush.
Don't forget to clean the outside of the refrigerator and freezer. Clear off the clutter of notes, coupons and photos, and then clean the doors, handles and seals.
Keep the inside of the refrigerator smelling fresh with an open box of baking soda.

Bathroom

From make-up spills and toothpaste smudges to mildew and everything in-between, the bathroom needs touching-up on a daily basis.

To keep the counter clean of little messes and smudges, use an antibacterial product. Windex also makes a Touch-Up Cleaner for the bathroom. Dab the cleaner onto a rag or tissue and wipe down the counter, faucet and any other hard, non-porous surfaces to clean and sanitize quickly.
To get rid of soap scum, clean the tub and shower with a foaming cleanser that does most of the work for you, and simply rinse it off. Wash shower curtains and liners according to label instructions.
To help prevent soap scum buildup in the future, try switching to a liquid shower gel. Bar soaps have binders that are a primary cause of soapy residue. You can also use a towel to quickly wipe down the tub and faucets after each shower.
Combination mold and mildew cleaners can make fast work of those deep messes. Spray where needed, and rinse off following label instructions. Be sure the bathroom is well ventilated before spraying them on.
To discourage mildew, use the bathroom fan during a shower and for about 30 minutes after. You can also use a dehumidifier or open the window.

Floors

You'll be amazed at how much cleaner a room will look when the floors are done right.

If you have the time and money to rent and use a carpet cleaner, now's the time to do it. If not, target stains with a carpet cleaner and give all your carpets a good vacuuming. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and rugs to absorb odors.
Steam mops are a great way to quickly clean multiple flooring surfaces without a mop and bucket. You can do a whole room in just a few minutes.
A lot of the dirt and dust in a home is brought inside on the soles of your shoes. To keep carpets and flooring clean, place doormats inside and outside each entrance and always take your shoes off when entering.
Wiping floorboards of dust and dirt is often overlooked and makes a big difference in the appearance of your home.

Get more cleaning tips and solutions at www.windex.com.

Cleaning Must-Haves

Keep these items handy to make spring cleaning - and everyday cleaning - a breeze.

Adhesive lint roller - Great for quickly sprucing up fabric and upholstery. You can also use it to remove dust from lamp shades.
Baking soda - Helps neutralize odors in sinks, refrigerators, upholstery and carpets.
Windex Touch-Up Cleaner - A convenient solution to tackle the frequent messes that happen in the bathroom and kitchen.
Multi-surface wipes - Make it easy to freshen up any room in the house.
Sponges - Good for removing scuff marks and smudges from walls and furniture.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Windex

How to Do Your Taxes for Free

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

How to Do Your Taxes for Free

Going to college; getting your first job; moving into your own place. To these rites of passage add one more: doing your own taxes. And, it's not as scary as you might think.

It's not scary because there's help available. It's called Free File, and it's offered exclusively from the IRS in partnership with nearly 15 leading tax software companies. About 3 million people use it every year.

Free File lets you choose brand-name software that does the hard work for you - all for free. And, it offers a fast, safe and free option for everyone. Brand-name tax software is available to those who made $57,000 or less in 2012 - which is about 70 percent of us. Earned more? Try Free File's online fillable forms, the electronic alternative to IRS paper forms.

Three simple steps to getting started

Step 1: Gather Your Tax Information

Collect your tax information and log on to Free File through the IRS website: www.IRS.gov/freefile.

Step 2: Choose an Option

The "Help Me Choose A Company" option helps you pick the brand-name software that will guide you through the tax process.
Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic documents, perform basic math calculations and are for people who are comfortable preparing their own paper tax returns.

Step 3: Prepare and e-file Your Return

E-file your return for free. No matter what option you choose, IRS and brand-name software providers use the most current technology to ensure tax information is encrypted, so it's safe and secure when it's transmitted.

Free File is also available online 24/7, giving you the freedom to choose when and how you do your taxes.

To view a video about Free File, use a scanner app on your smart phone to read this QR code.

Checklist of materials to do your taxes

Keep this list as a checklist of the items you will need to do your taxes. The IRS recommends keeping all tax-related documents for three years, in case of an audit. Tracking income-related documents can help you take full advantage of deductions available to you.

A copy of last year's tax return
Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse and children
All income statements, i.e. W-2 forms, from all employers
Interest/dividend statements, i.e. 1099 forms
Form 1099-G showing any state refunds
Unemployment compensation amount
Social Security benefits
Expense receipts for deductions
Day care provider's identifying number

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps you keep more of what you earned

No tax benefit offers a greater lifeline to working families than EITC. Yet, one out of every five eligible taxpayers fails to claim it, according to the IRS. Because of the economy, even more people may be eligible if they have had changes in their earned income. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The maximum credit for 2012 tax returns is $5,891 for workers with three or more qualifying children.
Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on a number of factors including earnings, filing status and eligible children. Workers without qualifying children may be eligible for a smaller credit amount.

Learn more at www.irs.gov/eitc and use the EITC Assistant, or ask your tax professional. If you are eligible for EITC, you also are eligible for free tax help at VITA sites nationwide or to use Free File at www.IRS.gov/freefile.

EITC: Are you eligible?

You must have earned income.
Your adjusted gross income cannot be more than the limit.
Your filing status cannot be "Married filing separately."
You must have a valid Social Security number.
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year.
You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ.
Your investment income must be $3,200 or less.

Did you know?

Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.
Combining e-file with direct deposit is still the fastest way to get your refund.
Use "Where's My Refund?" to get personalized refund information based on the processing of your tax return.
You can also use the IRS app, IRS2Go, to check the status of your refund.
Can't meet April 15 deadline? Use Free File for a free extension; then use Free File to do your taxes by October 15.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

There are thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationwide that offer free help to those earning around $51,000 or less. To locate the nearest VITA site, search for "VITA" on www.IRS.gov.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), which is supported by AARP, offers free tax help to people who are age 60 and older. Locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site at AARP.org or call 1-888-227-7669. Some VITA/TCE sites even offer Free File. You can do it yourself on their computers.

SOURCE:
Internal Revenue Service

Smart Substitutions

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Smart Substitutions

When you're hungry and pressed for time, it's tempting to swing through the drive-thru or order takeout. But while these seemingly convenient choices save you time, they might cost you in calories, fat, sugar and sodium. Here are some easy ways to make smart substitutions throughout the day that are also time-saving.

Breakfast: Eating breakfast starts your day off right and helps you control hunger.

Save up to 300 calories by substituting a doughnut or danish with a small English muffin and a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter. You'll also get the added benefit of protein, which gives you energy to start the day.
Be mindful of what you add to your morning coffee. Your on-the-go 16-ounce latte could contain as much as 330 calories, 13 grams of fat and 40 grams of sugar, and could be costing you. Substitute with a 12-ounce cup of coffee with skim or soy milk, a pinch of cinnamon and a natural sweetener like honey.

Lunch: You can enjoy a satisfying, convenient and smart meal whether you're at home, work or out to eat.

If you can, avoid full-calorie pizzeria pizza and look for products such as Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza. The blend of reduced fat cheeses with a zesty tomato sauce on a crispy-thin crust will give you 8 grams of whole grains and has 300 calories - compared to the 440 calories from the standard takeout slice.
When you have to have that classic all-beef patty, less is more. Keep it simple and balanced with a whole grain bun, ketchup, lettuce and tomato. If you're more adventurous, try turkey and veggie burgers for fewer calories and less saturated fat.

Snacks: Snacks can be part of a smart diet - you just have to enjoy the right kinds of snacks in moderation.

If you're hungry for something sweet, opt for a low-fat Greek yogurt sweetened with honey, which is much lower in calories than a milkshake, and offers probiotics.
If you're craving something salty, try a handful of lightly salted almonds, which are packed with protein and will help you feel satisfied so you won't be tempted by chips or other salty snacks.

Dinner: Being smart about portion sizes as well as your entr√©e choices lets you stay on track and enjoy your evening meal.

Forget takeout chow mein, which could have up to 490 calories (200 calories from fat), and eat in with an alternative, such as Smart Ones Sesame Noodles with Vegetables, with only 280 calories (25 calories from fat).
Divide up your entr√©e - either share it with your dining partner, or ask for a to-go box and put half of your food in the container as soon as it arrives. Not only do you get a more appropriate portion, but you also stretch your dining dollar into two meals instead of just one.

For more deliciously smart substitution tips, recipes and ideas - including breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and desserts - visit www.eatyourbest.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Smart Ones

Getting to the Heart of a Healthy Diet

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Getting to the Heart of a Healthy Diet

Healthy habits such as eating well, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight are key strategies for managing cardiovascular disease - the number one cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. That is why it is incredibly important to approach breakfast with your heart in mind to start the day off right.

Kellogg's is now making it easier for shoppers to find its great tasting, fiber-rich heart-healthy cereal options with a new front-of-pack label. Their "Heart Healthy Selection" logo will appear on nine varieties, including new Raisin Bran Cinnamon Almond.

Considering the American Heart Association predicts cardiovascular diseases will increase by about 10 percent over the next 20 years, and that 40 percent of all adults (116 million people) will have at least one form of this disease, it is important to eat for your heart now. Here are some steps the brand recommends:

Look for heart-healthy cereals. Heart-healthy cereals are great ways to kick-start your intake of fiber and whole grain each day. Additionally, they are low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol and provide many key nutrients that the body needs.
Pick fruits and veggies. Their vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber do your heart good. Many contain potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Adding fruits to cereal can really pack a nutritional punch to your morning breakfast bowl.
Limit sodium. Eating less sodium (found in salt and other ingredients) may help support healthy blood pressure. Look for reduced - or low - sodium versions of frozen dinners, soups, canned vegetables, and sauces. Prepare foods with less salt and zing up the taste with herbs, spices, lemon juice or flavored vinegar.
Trim saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat. They not only raise the calories but can raise your risk of heart disease. Choose lean cuts of meat (with "loin" or "round" in the name) and skinless poultry. Use low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese. Buy packaged foods labeled "0 grams" trans fat per serving. Low saturated fat (1 gram or 5% or less of the Daily Value/serving) is ideal.
Put more fish on the menu. Eat "oily" fish such as salmon, trout and herring at least twice a week for their heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, and prepare by baking, broiling, grilling, or poaching.

To learn more about the benefits of heart-healthy cereals, visit www.kelloggs.com/hearthealthy.

SOURCE:
Kellogg's

Top 10 Tech Tips for a Healthier Heart

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Top 10 Tech Tips for a Healthier Heart

The message that a healthy lifestyle helps protect your heart isn't new. If you'd like to do more to take care of your heart, here are 10 ways technology can make that easier.

1. Stop Smoking.
Apps such as Smoke Reducer for Android, and iQuit for iPhone can help you wean off tobacco. You can also use the Firefox add-on Quitomzilla, which shows you how much money you save by not smoking, the number of cigarettes not smoked, and the overall time since your last smoke.

2. Stay Within a Healthy Weight Range.
Make it easier to monitor your weight-loss progress with the iHealth Wireless Scale. You can track your weight over time, and see results in relation to daily activity, time of day, diet, exercise, and more. The scale lets you set a milestone and share your results with doctors, fitness buddies and family. The free companion iHealth Scale app works with iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Learn more at www.ihealth99.com.

3. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine.
Keep track of how much you're drinking with the DrinkControl or Alcohol Monitor apps for iPhone, or the SoberApp for Android. They estimate your blood alcohol content and let you know whether or not you should drive. To monitor your caffeine intake, try the Caffeine Zone 2 for iPhone and iPad, or the Caffeine Monitor app for Android.

4. Take Care of Your Teeth.
Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Go online and check the American Dental Association's database at www.ADA.org to find oral health care products that have the ADA seal of approval. At the ADA website, you can also watch videos on a variety of oral health care topics.

5. Keep Tabs on Your Blood Pressure.
The Mayo Clinic recommends you monitor your blood pressure at home and visit your doctor regularly. With the iHealth Blood Pressure Dock, (www.ihealth99.com), you can accurately measure your blood pressure, track your readings over time, and share that information with healthcare providers, friends and family members. The Dock comes with a blood pressure arm cuff and doubles as a charging station for your iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. The companion iHealth app is available for free.

6. Reduce Stress.
Try a portable biofeedback device, like the StressEraser, to help you relax by synchronizing your breathing and your heart rate. If having too much on your plate and too many interruptions causes you stress, try Quiet Hours. It lets you shut down your computer's communication apps, like instant messaging, for a specified period of time.

7. Exercise Regularly.
The Online Activity Tracker from the American Heart Health Association lets you create a personalized walking plan, log time or distance traveled, plot and save walking routes, and more. Check it out at www.startwalkingnow.org. You can also use the AHA Walking Paths app for Android and iPhone.

8. Eat Right.
Tracking the foods you consume helps you better understand your caloric and nutritional intake. The Lose It! app for the iPhone allows you to enter and track your meals and snacks, and keep track of your weight loss progress and goals via the app, as well as access your account online. Visit www.loseit.com for more information. Offering many of the same capabilities, Android phone users can use the Diet Assistant app at www.dietassistantapp.com.

9. Make Sleep a Priority.
Not getting enough sleep can raise your blood pressure and make it more likely you'll have a stroke or heart attack. Learn more about your sleep patterns with a sleep monitor. You can try a headband monitor, such as the Zeo, (www.myzeo.com), or an armband monitor such as the SleepTracker, (www.sleeptracker.com). Each keeps track of your sleep cycle and helps you wake up at the optimal time.

10. Know Your Family History.
Knowing your family's medical history can help you identify patterns that might be relevant to your own heart health. There are a number of online tools such as My Family Health Portrait at https://FamilyHistory.hhs.gov to help you gather and store that information.

(doctor and patient photo)
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
iHealth

Get More Value out of Your Game Day Party

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Get More Value out of Your Game Day Party

No matter what your favorite sport is, when you host the watch party you need to be on your A-game. But, like many people, you don't want to break the bank on food to entertain. In fact, according to a national survey by DiGiorno® Pizza, 90 percent of people look for deals to get more value when making food purchases.

Here are a few tips for hosting a winning game day party on a budget:

Go Big - Grab some savings when you buy in bulk. Look for party-sized packages of your favorite chips, dips, pretzels and nuts. You can stock up on bulk beverages and desserts, too - saving you time and money.

Count on Teamwork - Have each of your guests bring a favorite snack or dish to share with everyone. To make sure you don't have too many of the same dishes, assign different categories to people - one to bring chili, another to bring chips and dip, etc. For those that don't cook, let them bring drinks, ice or paper goods.

Keep it Simple - Pizza is always a game-time favorite - but ordering carry-out or delivery pizza can get pricey and time-consuming. According to the same national survey, nearly two-thirds of consumers (65 percent) prefer the convenience and quick-preparedness of frozen foods versus ordering out or having food delivered. You can often get more pizza for your money with frozen pizzas such as DiGiorno and their new "Law of Pizzaplicity" which states that you can get two DiGiorno12-inch Rising Crust pizzas for the price of one delivery pizza.1 A deal like this can save you time and money for your next game-day party. Find more information and details at www.facebook.com/digiorno.

DIY to Save - Deli and veggie trays from the grocery store can be expensive. You can make your own and save more money. Choose a variety of items you know your guests will eat. You can wash and cut produce a day or two before the party and just store them in the fridge until party time.

Don't Trash It - When you skip disposable plates, utensils and cups, you not only save money, but you also cut down on the amount of trash you have to deal with when the party's over. Use the dishes you have, even if they don't match. If you're having a large party and don't have enough dishes, borrow some from friends.

It's easier than you think to host a game-day party that doesn't cost a fortune. A little planning and some smart shopping means you can enjoy the big game and all the delicious fun that goes with it.

Photo Courtesy Getty Images

1Based on DiGiorno® Supreme versus weighted average non-promoted price and delivery charge of comparable pizza from the three leading national delivery chains in 10 leading markets.

SOURCE:
DiGiorno

Laugh it Up with Girl Time

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:57:00 GMT

Laugh it Up with Girl Time

Laughter and friendship go hand-in-hand, and according to a recent survey, women across America are looking to inject more laughter into their lives this year. One sure bet, spending more quality time with their girlfriends.

The survey, commissioned by Skinny Cow Candy, showed that on average, women are twice as likely to prefer a good laugh with their girlfriends over a new piece of jewelry, a manicure, or even a new pair of shoes. And while a good phone chat with a dear friend goes a long way, 61 percent of women believe that an in-person laugh is better than a virtual one.

Read on for some inspiration to create that treasured girlfriend time and start Laughing Out Loud.

Set the stage. Quality girlfriend time can happen anywhere at any time. Getting together for drinks or dinner creates an opportunity for plenty of intimate chatting and laughter for hours on end. Heading to a local movie theater or piling on the couch to watch a comedy favorite is just the ticket for a much-needed belly laugh.

Eliminate distractions. Good girlfriend time means letting your cares slip away. Leave the kids with a sitter, avoid taking calls or texting, and dedicate your time to catching up and sharing a few good laughs.

Add chocolate. According to the Skinny Cow survey, the majority of women think life would be a lot less fun without chocolate, so make sure you have some on hand. Skinny Cow Candy makes the no guilt kind - rich, creamy and delicious; great portion sizes; and low in calories. Yes, you really can have it all.

Stay within your means. Time spent with the girls need not break the bank. If budget is a concern, choose a restaurant or bar with happy hour specials, or have everyone bring a little something and cook together. Check out interesting events around town, or tie on athletic shoes and enjoy a fun-filled walk in the park.

Say cheese. Don't forget to take photos to capture your laugh-out-loud moments; they make for great memories. Post them on your social media pages and share your good times for years to come.

Want to find out how you compare to women across the country on topics such as laughter, chocolate and more? Visit www.facebook.com/TheSkinnyCowUS and find out what the
LOL-O-Meter says about you, then share and compare with your girlfriends for a memorable good time.

Main photo courtesy of Getty Image

SOURCE:
Skinny Cow

Keeping Fit and Having Fun as We Age

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:29:00 GMT

Keeping Fit and Having Fun as We Age

How baby boomers can stay fit and active.

Regular physical activity at any age can help you live longer, feel better and reduce health problems. But far too many people, including baby boomers, don't get the exercise they need. According to the 2012 Participation Report from the Physical Activity Council (PAC), 35 percent of Americans over the age of 55 are physically inactive. Since regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight, cholesterol and so much more, boomers need to find ways to get their bodies moving so they can live longer, healthier lives.

"Though any amount of exercise is beneficial, ultimately adults should work up to getting at least 30 minutes most days of the week, as long as they feel comfortable and pain-free," said world-renowned nutritionist Joy Bauer. "From taking a Zumba class to walking and stretching, getting regular physical activity helps the joints stay loose, maintains muscle mass, and gets the blood flowing - all of which make everyday tasks easier."

The American Council on Exercise recommends older Americans choose exercise programs that include cardiovascular, muscle conditioning, and flexibility exercises. Low-impact, non-jarring exercises such as walking and swimming are good options. A key to sticking with a fitness program is making sure it's enjoyable.

A fun new program for older adults is Zumba Gold, a low-impact dance-based workout designed specifically for boomers and seniors. Workout routines combine salsa, merengue, flamenco and cumbia moves with fun music. For those that would prefer to work out in the comfort of their own home, there is also a Zumba Gold "Live it Up" DVD collection that offers 3 discs with workouts, as well as advice from experts in the fields of nutrition, brain health, enhancing your well-being and more.

The program was created by 71-year-old Joy Prouty, a veteran in the fitness industry and a former Rockette. "From cardio to toning, this collection brings together some of Zumba's most popular offerings in a format enabling older adults to rediscover the energy of their youth," said Prouty. To learn more about Zumba Gold, purchase the Zumba Gold "Live it Up" DVDs and find a class near you, visit www.zumbagold.com.

Workout Safety Tips

Whenever beginning a new fitness activity or program, make sure you do it safely.

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well.
Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
Listen to your body. If it hurts or it feels like too much, stop.

You also need to be aware of danger signs while exercising. Stop the activity and call your doctor or 911 if you experience pain or pressure in your chest, arms, neck or jaw; feel lightheaded, nauseated or weak; become short of breath; develop pain in your legs, calves or back; or feel like your heart is beating too fast or skipping beats.

"It's important to see your doctor before beginning any workout routine to receive a thorough cardiovascular evaluation," said Bauer. "Once you've been cleared by your doctor, I recommend starting out slowly."

Pick an Activity that You Will Enjoy

The best way to find a regimen that will stick is to choose something that you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick with it and reap all the benefits the physical activity has to offer.

Bauer adds that a program like Zumba Gold is great because, if you enjoy dancing, it won't feel like exercise and it can also be a social outlet: "Combining physical activity with social time is a total win-win."

SOURCE:
Zumba Fitness

How to Stay Active All Winter

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:27:00 GMT

The winter months mark the end of the outdoor training season for many active people, and the colder, shorter days can make it challenging to stay motivated and active. In fact, Gallup surveys find that exercise levels and healthy eating habits amongst Americans significantly decline during fall and winter months.

"When the temperatures drop and the sun sets earlier, many people struggle to find the time, energy or motivation to stay focused on their fitness goals," said USA Cycling and Triathlon Coach Gale Bernhardt. "The best way to stay on top of your personal health and maximize cold weather workouts is to create an offseason game plan."

These easy-to-follow tips will help you run your day, your way and stay active this offseason, no matter how cold it is outside.

Some Is Better Than None: If you don't have time to go to the gym or fit an hour workout into your busy day, still try to fit in what you can. Try a steady walk for 20 to 30 minutes, climb a flight of stairs a couple of times, or simply walk around the block.
Embrace the Cold: Don't let the chilly temperatures scare you. Use the cold as an opportunity to find unique ways to get in some good cardio or strength work by raking leaves, shoveling the driveway, building a snowman or going on a winter weather hike.
Break Outside of the Gym: Winter workouts don't need to be relegated to the gym. Find an at-home fitness DVD (Pilates, yoga, cardio, etc.) or an on-demand television workout, and do your own in-house boot camp once a week to mix things up.
Mix Up Your Fitness: Use the winter season to learn a new skill. Try something new like indoor rock climbing, a dance class, fitness boxing, or cross-country skiing. Check out your local fitness center for ideas.
Stay Fueled in the Cold: If you find yourself in need of an energy boost prior to your endurance workout, you can grab a convenient fuel source such as a MARATHON® Bar. For workouts that are mostly aerobic, the MARATHON® Bar with more protein can help keep you satisfied and fueled through the workout and beyond. www.marathonbars.com
Winter Workout Buddy: For added motivation, invite friends to work out with you. Buddies give you incentive, provide mutual commitment and ultimately help keep workouts fun.
Join a Team: Winter is a great time for team sports like volleyball or basketball. Recreation leagues like these can provide a great aerobic workout and speed skills, too.

Don't let the colder winter months slow you down. Whether the goal is to maintain endurance in between race seasons, effectively provide rest and recovery to a fatigued body, or simply to stay healthy and active during the long winter months, try the tips above to help develop simple strategies for training and nutrition that works best for you to stay fit and active during the offseason.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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Marathon Bar